The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Nasarawa State branch has called on the state government to hire more qualified medical doctors to address the shortage of doctors in government hospitals.

Dr Isa Ohyoma, newly sworn-in chairman of the association stated this after the inauguration of the new officials on Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

According to him, the shortage of doctors in government hospitals would be the first issue the present leadership would pursue head-on due to its importance in ensuring better quality service delivery.

He explained that the shortage of doctors had adverse effects on the few who resisted the temptation of internal and external brain drain (japa) in search of better welfare and working conditions.

“Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia currently has about 170 doctors serving 388, 000 population of Lafia and other referral cases iarefar lower than the doctor-to-patient ratio.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended one-doctor-to-600-patients, but the case in the state is far above the standard.

“There is definitely work overload in all hospitals in the state including the Federal Medical Centre Keffi and it is affecting us already,” he added.

The NMA Chairman further explained that brain drain cannot be stopped, but, it can be managed through better welfare, incentives, and security for their members.

He also called on the Federal Government to hire more medical doctors, improve welfare and doctors, and ensure their security in their respective places of assignment to curtail brain drain.

He lamented that the renewed hope in the health sector would not be achieved if the well-trained medical personnel continued to leave the country as a result of poor welfare.

Ohyoma however, promised to partner with the state government and Chief Executives of all healthcare institutions in the state to ensure that the people get better service.

He also appreciated their members for the confidence reposed on the new officials to pilot the affairs of the association in the next two years.( NAN)

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